Staffing is also different. Each project is based on 24/7 care, but the duties have shifted from highly specialized care to more family-like care provided by a core team, and supplemented with appropriate medical teams from outside.
Clinical Support Team
The clinical support team is comprised of a Medical Director, Director of Nursing, nurses, therapists, social workers, dietician, and activities coordinator to provide skilled care for the residents as required in the care plan. The Shahbazim are certified nursing assistants with additional Green House training) by developing close relationships with the elders, provide the Clinical Support Team with valuable information to assist in developing the care plan.
Licensed nurses are available to and responsible for clinical care in Green House homes on a 24-hour basis. If the nurse is not in the home and is needed, is available to the Shahbazim and elders via pager and other communication technologies. The Shahbaz
The Shahbaz (plural: Shahbazim) is a universal worker who provides personal care, meal planning and preparation, light housekeeping, and laundry for 7-10 elders. Shahbazim core training as Certified Nursing Assistants receive about 120 additional hours of specialized training to cover The Green House philosophy of care, person-directed care for persons with demenia, household operations, building self-managed work teams, policies and procedures for their project, communication skills, culinary training, safe food handling, and certification in first aid and CPR.
The Guide
The Green House Guide serves as coach and supervisor the the Shahbazim, and is responsible for the overall operations and quality of services in the home. The Guide may be responsible for more than one home, depending on the size of the community.
The Sage
The Green House Sage is a resident elder who acts as a coach or mentor, assists facilitating the development and continued growth of the self-managed work team and to serve as a trusted advisor to the Shahbazim. This is a volunteer position.
Extended Nursing Care Residents
Residents in the Green House are encouraged to participate
in shared home activities such as cooking, self care and cleaning, as
well as hobby activities and participation in the surrounding
community.
Family
Family participation is encouraged and welcomed in The Green House home, from sharing meals to participating in activities and volunteering time and services to help their loved one decorate personal space. Well-behaved family pets are also welcome visitors!
Only projects accepted through the application process and developed in cooperation with The Green House Project team are authorized to provide long-term care services under the licenses service mark: THE GREEN HOUSE®.
A five year pilot project ending in 2010 is reaching its goal of 50 projects across the country. Check the website for locations in your region. These nursing care facilities are often developed by nonprofit groups, churches and even municipalities.